Nintendo is adding a new member to their handheld console family this week with the upcoming release of the Nintendo 2DS on October 12, 2013. The new device will be available in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia all on the same date, so no one gets left out.

The Nintendo 2DS will release in two color combinations: black and blue or white and red. Don't think that the 2DS moniker means that it can't play 3DS titles - it still can, but without 3D capability. Aside from that, the 2DS maintains the same hardware features of the 3DS such as gameplay controls, wireless connectivity to access the Nintendo eShop, and is also backwards-compatible for older DS games.

The reason for the Nintendo 2DS is to enter the market with a value-priced DS and a different, fixed-slate design. The timing is just right for those looking to tag into the Nintendo handheld market as both Pokemon X and Pokemon Y release on the same date as well, with Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds releasing November 22.